THE festive season will be a holiday on ice for people in Durham City. A temporary ice rink has been set up outside the Gala Theatre.

It was officially opened on Thursday last week by Norman Pace, half of the famous TV comedy duo Hale and Pace, who is performing at the theatre.

Now local people are getting their skates on to join in the fun.

Durham University students Joanna Thomas, 20, of Collingwood College, and Davina Glen, 21, of St Mary's College, were among the first to use the rink.

Joanna said: "I'm sure it will prove extremely popular and I'm sure we'll be back again. There are lots of students in college who have said they will give it a try.''

Simon Lee, of Yarm-based Aria Ice, which is operating the rink, said: "It seems particularly appropriate to set up something like this in Durham, which was known for its ice rink.

"We are hoping to attract a lot of people who were regulars at that rink in the coming weeks as well as the large student population.''

The rink is open every day between 9.45am and 8pm - apart from Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day - until January 5.

Tickets for the temporary ice rink next to the Gala Theatre in Durham City's Millennium Place are now only available from the Tourist Information Centre within the Gala complex. They cost £5, concessions £4 and £14 for family tickets and are available on the day.

Group and party bookings can be made by contacting the organisers, Aria Ice, on (01642) 659955.